Those who live in the Midwest know that after a hard winter, we usually have a wet spring that creates rapid growth among the grass, weeds, and plants. Often this undergrowth is so lush that the idea of clearing it is daunting. One day, I decided to pull the grass by the fence so I could at least identify which perennials were returning. My efforts sent a black vole fleeing. I thought it was a mouse at first, but its short legs and almost no tail confused me.

After a quick study on the Internet, I discovered this burrowing creature was a vegetarian and was fond of all plants, especially bulbs. A few days later, I harvested the spinach that grew thick in my upraised bed and surprised a vole again. This time, the vole lingered for several seconds as the large predator (me) hovered over it. The creature vanished down a hole he’d made in my garden. I had inadvertently declared war by weeding.

What did the vole have to teach me? The vole is sensitive its surroundings and nature. A vole can’t live in a food desert. Its alertness and awareness of what was happening allowed it to flee just in time, although my inability to hurt an animal may have had something to do with it too. The vole most likely hid under a handy plant leaf listening and waiting for my next move. It reminds us to listen,feel, and rely on our intuition. Our yard is the safe yard in the neighborhood because we have no cats and arthritic dog who wants nothing to do with nature, which explains the doves and rabbits not even bother to leave the ground when he’s out. The vole’s intuition and possible nose told it the yard was safe.

The vole while destructive to plants is quite the fertile rodent. It symbolizes both destruction and rebirth. Often we have to tear down negative thought patterns or habits to move forward in our lives. We mimic this same pattern of destruction and rebirth in doing so. Consider the life you have and the life you want. What needs to be eliminated to move on to your dream life?

Whenever the word dream comes up too many people equate it with impossible. The vole reminds us to go after our dreams. We do this by making plans, even if they may start as baby steps. The vole reminds us to use our creativity and persistence. The endless burrows in our yard didn’t happen overnight.

​The vole reminds us where we put our attention is where the results will be. If you constantly complaining about a bad job, a less than wonderful relationship, or even a lack of finances, don’t be surprised that it doesn’t get better since you’re focusing on the problem, not the solution.

Instead, consider the big picture. The details will fall in place. Each day work toward the big picture/dream. It can be as simple as declaring intentions for the day.

Voles can be invisible. Trust me; I had no clues we had any issues until I no longer had tulips in the spring. When you’re out making your dream real, people can be envious and resentful. They resent the dynamic change. Success often makes those around you feel less successful. This invisibility allows you to be with others without them feeling threatened by all the good you have going on in your life.

As for the voles, I’m trying some non-toxic methods such as putting human hair in the garden, weeding, and fox urine around the perimeter. The vole is free to romp in the compost pile, which it already does. It can also join the doves and rabbits munching down on the sunflower seeds scattered on the ground. Has a vole entered your life?

Thank you for explaining the invisibility aspect of vole so clearly. I was equating invisibility with hiding, which is not what I want in my life right now. I much prefer the feeling of being out in the open, gathering roots abundantly, while camouflaged from those who might not understand my ways.
Grateful for your sharing!